Contributed by David Velasco, CMCA, CIRMS
CAI is hosting its 2026 Congressional Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 24. If you haven’t joined CAI on Capitol Hill before, consider being part of this year’s event.
The advocacy summit allows community association homeowners, board members, managers, and business partners to meet with federal lawmakers to educate them on policy issues affecting those living and working in homeowners associations and condominiums nationwide.
Last year, I had the privilege of being one of 195 voices from 30 states converging on the nation’s capital for the summit. CAI scheduled more than 100 congressional meetings with 82 representatives and 64 senators. It was a historic moment for our organization.
It was the third time I attended the event. Growing up in France, I never thought I would have the opportunity to speak with a congressman and a senator to discuss issues affecting over 77 million people in the U.S.
During the summit, we addressed transparency regarding lending eligibility, rising insurance costs, affordable housing, preserving community self-governance, and federal disaster assistance.
Things have changed since 2022 when I first attended the advocacy summit. Back then, much of our time was spent explaining the concept of community associations to lawmakers. Our issues appeared foreign and obscure to most staff and lawmakers we met.
This past year, our group and issues were recognized. In several instances, lawmakers already knew about key industry topics and wanted to know more. Some were already involved in efforts to address our concerns and were actively working on solutions.
This is progress and the kind of nonpartisan momentum we need to advance the interests of our industry. If you’ve attended this event in the past, you may have noticed this shift.
For business owners, the summit is a major opportunity to deepen ties with the industry and help key members of your team to grow. Participating has helped me appreciate the seriousness of our mission. It has helped me recognize that my involvement goes beyond business interests. It is about making things better for others.
I had the opportunity to sit in meetings with community association managers who were encouraged to attend the summit by their companies and boards. They are best positioned to communicate residents’ feelings and attitudes surrounding important industry issues. Their empathy, experience, and dedication are compelling.
I also had the privilege to attend meetings with homeowner leaders who are a direct voice to decision-makers and their staff. They know it takes a lot to effect change in a community and even more at the national level. Their efforts are nothing short of remarkable.
New summit attendees are paired with seasoned ones, which helps new advocates develop skills and contributes to more productive meetings.
It truly is a privilege to do something for others and advocate for policies that may otherwise go unnoticed by lawmakers. I no longer feel strange or inadequate passing through the Capitol Rotunda because this is part of what we do.
David Velasco, CMCA, CIRMS, is with The Baldwin Group in Bensalem, Pa.
>>Register for the Advocacy Summit.
